Events in Vancouver this August

It’s already the middle of summer, and hopefully you’ve had the chance to enjoy a lot of fun activities already. But there are still many sunny days ahead and lots more to do. Whether you are a local Vancouverite or just visiting, we have compiled a great list of Vancouver events happening this month.

Festivals & Events

Harmony Arts Festival

August 3, 2018 – August 12, 2018

This festival takes place right by the waterfront in West Vancouver. A popular cultural event, the festival showcases visual, culinary and performing arts.

Vines Art Festival

August 8, 2018 – August 19, 2018

This is a newer festival to Vancouver that is free of charge and focuses on eco-arts. Expect to experience a variety of both performing and visual artists. The main event happens on August 18th at Trout Lake Park, but you will find events popping up at a variety of parks around Vancouver beforehand. Locations include Kitsilano Beach, CRAB Park, Granville Island, Roundhouse Community Centre and Strathcona Park.

Vancouver Mural Festival 2018

August 6, 2018 – August 11, 2018

This week-long festival takes place in Mount Pleasant, and is organized by Create Vancouver Society. They are a non-profit focused on the development of cultural and artistic endeavors in the Lower Mainland. Through the creation of large-scale public art, they work with local neighborhoods to highlight the culture of that particular area.

Vancouver Pride Parade and Festival

August 5, 2018

Amongst many other events leading up to it, there is the ever-popular pride parade, celebrating diversity with colour, music, dance, and a lot of flare. The parade can draw crowds of around 650,00 people, so be sure to arrive early and claim a good spot!

TD Vancouver Chinatown Festival 2018

Honda Celebration of Light 2018

This is a not-to-be-missed, spectacular fireworks event in Vancouver, drawing huge crowds in English Bay and at Second Beach. Some will event try to get their view from Vanier Park or Kitsilano Beach. Arrive early to claim a good spot, or buy a ticket for reserved seating ahead of time. There is only one show left, on Saturday August 4th!

Abbotsford International Airshow 2018

August 10, 2018 – August 12, 2018

Head to Abbotsford International Airshow for an impressive display of aerobatic performances by civilian and military pilots. Millions have been attending this premier aviation festival since 1962! This is an event that you should experience at least once if you are living in BC.

Arts & Theatre

Arts Club presents Mamma Mia!

May 10, 2018 – August 12, 2018

There’s still time left to catch Arts Club Theatre’s presentation of Mamma Mia! at the Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage. If you didn’t know already, this is a musical set in Greece that is based on songs by Abba. It follows the story of a daughter’s quest to find her biological father before her wedding. This show has been running since May with great reviews, so don’t miss out!

Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival

June 6, 2018 – September 22, 2018

This year, Bard on the Beach brings Macbeth, Timon of Athens, As You Like It and Lysistrata to the stage to Vanier Park. Visit the mainstage under the tent for a theatre experience like no other. And don’t forget to visit the gift shop and pick up some tasty snacks to enjoy as you watch the show!

Theatre Under the Stars

July 4, 2018 – August 25, 2018

An outdoor live theatre event in Stanley Park! This summer they bring Cinederella and 42nd Street to the stage, so grab your popcorn, your blanket, and enjoy an entertaining and memorable performance under the stars!

Have you ever been to an improv theatre show? One where you have the chance to control the destiny of the actors? At a Vancouver TheatreSports production, you can do just that! Totally unscripted, this show is an always-hilarious experience sure to delight you. This show in particular is themed around Vancouver and all of it’s stereotypes and quirks, making it even more fun for locals to attend, or for out-of-towners to get a sense of our city while laughing a whole lot!

Whitecaps

Ongoing

Playland At The PNE

May 5, 2018 – September 16, 2018

You can’t let a summer go by in Vancouver without a day at Playland, so if you haven’t been yet, August is the perfect time! There are plenty of fun rides to thrill and excite you, and even if that’s not your thing, there is plenty of other things to enjoy! (Mini donut, anyone?)

Shipyards night market

Friday nights 5-10pm May 4 – sept 28

Another opportunity to enjoy plenty of food, drink and experiences that include musicians, art and entertainment. A much different vibe than the Richmond Night Market, this market offers fresh food and locally made products.

Sunday Afternoon Salsa 2018

Sunday afternoon salsa at Robson Square is a staple in Vancouver. This event remains free, which is a really great thing to find in Vancouver to be sure! Not ready to take a lesson? Grab an ice cream, a coffee or whatever floats your boat, and come and watch! Lessons are at 3pm and performances are at 5pm.

Outdoor Movie Nights

This year we have outdoor movie nights available in Vancouver at four venues: Stanley Park, Vancouver Art Gallery, Canada Place, and Queen Elizabeth plaza. Be sure to bring a blanket or a lawn chair to sit on, and something warm to wear for when the sun goes down. There are so many venues and movie options throughout August, you are sure to find one you will enjoy!